Sonny Colbrelli is stepping down after two seasons as a directeur sportif at Bahrain Victorious, according to the Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian was forced to retire as a rider in 2022 due to heart problems and continued his career on the team's staff. Enrico Gasparotto, former directeur sportif of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, is reportedly his successor, according to Cyclingnews.
At the beginning of 2024, Colbrelli made the switch from ambassador to directeur sportif at Bahrain Victorious. The Italian had to quit professional racing at the end of 2022 due to cardiac issues. In March of that year, after the opening stage of the Tour of Catalonia, he collapsed and was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmias.
Colbrelli beats Vermeersch and Van der Poel in the wet October edition of Paris-Roubaix 2022 - photo: Cor Vos
Initially, the 2021 Paris-Roubaix winner had high hopes of returning to the pro peloton, but after receiving a defibrillator implant, it became clear he would no longer be allowed to race in his home country. The decision to retire was a heavy blow for Colbrelli.
Successor
Colbrelli's departure from the Bahrain Victorious technical staff is being filled by a Swiss national born in Italy. Enrico Gasparotto, who worked for three years at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, is making the move according to Cyclingnews. The two-time winner of the Amstel Gold Race was already contracted to the Bahrain team from 2017 to 2018.
Enrico Gasparotto| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 |
